There are three major categories of doctoral candidates in the social sciences at the University of Vienna. While all doctoral candidates have to complete the mandatory coursework and the milestones of the doctoral programme in Social Sciences, they differ in terms of funding and access to support measures.

1. Funded doctoral candidates at the ViDSS

Funded doctoral candidates obtain a university- or third-party funded position (“prae doc”) at the University of Vienna under the supervision of a member of the ViDSS or have received a scholarship through the sowi:docs Fellowship Programme. As employees, they are provided with a workplace at the University. Depending on the kind of employment, doctoral candidates may have to participate in research, administration and teaching at the department where they are employed.

As ViDSS candidates, they benefit from the supervisory structure of the doctoral school, take part in cohort-related activities and can apply for additional funding for research and travel expenses.

Required steps:

1. Application for an open position
2. Application for admission to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences
3. Application for admission to the ViDSS

2. Self-funded doctoral candidates at the ViDSS

If doctoral candidates have at least one supervisor who is a member of the ViDSS, they can apply for admission to the Doctoral School. All ViDSS students are expected to be able to participate in the activities of the School and to pass the public presentation at the Faculty within the first year. They benefit from the supervisory structure of the ViDSS, take part in cohort-related activities and can apply for funding of research costs and travel expenses.

The ViDSS will support students without a fully funded doctoral position at the University of Vienna in their efforts to secure long-term funding for their doctoral thesis project.

Required steps:

1. Application for admission to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences
2. Application for admission to the ViDSS

3. Doctoral candidates in the doctoral programme in Social Sciences (but outside the ViDSS)

It is possible to study in the doctoral programme in Social Sciences without joining the ViDSS. However, please note that many offers and services provided for doctoral candidates are restricted to members of the ViDSS.

Required steps:

1. Application for admission to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences